A £445MILLION extension to one of Scotland's busiest motorways which will cut congestion and create jobs has been given the green light by the Scottish Government.

Officials said the M74 development from Carmyle to the M8 west of the Kingston Bridge is seen as vital in getting Glasgow traffic moving and the longterm economic benefits could create 20,000 jobs.

They believe the scheme will return significantly more than its cost in terms of wider benefits.

Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson said: "This Government has always been committed to the M74 project.

"Following an internal review of the procurement processes, the Government is confident that the procedures are robust and we are happy for Glasgow City Council to award the contract to the Interlink M74 Joint Venture.

"This extension will complete the motorway network and reduce congestion on the busiest stretch of the M8 through Glasgow.

"It will also provide links to regeneration projects in the east end of Glasgow and will bring much-needed new investment in homes and jobs.

"This project is also a crucial piece of the infrastructure which is required to provide excellent transport facilities for the visitors and athletes expected in the city at the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

"The bid achieves value for money and I am determined to ensure that there is robust management of this scheme in order to protect the public purse."

Councillor Steven Purcell, leader of Glasgow City Council, said: "Glasgow has argued for decades that this development is vital to the growth of the city.

"This is tremendous news for jobs, for commuters and for the 2014 Games."